Golden State Valkyries president Jess Smith believes her team’s projected billion-dollar valuation is true.
In an interview with Front Office Sports, Smith said that the Valkyries “definitely think it’s accurate” that they are worth 10 figures. Though team valuations typically aren’t confirmed until they are sold, Smith says that women’s sports teams’ valuations are especially on people’s radar as they continue to grow.
“People have been eyeing the moment that there would be a billion-dollar organization come to fruition. And for us, we feel really proud to be part of that,” Smith said. “If you’re looking forward, there’s even more upside to be excited about.”
CNBC first projected the Valkyries’ billion-dollar valuation, which would make it the first WNBA team to be worth 10 figures, on May 4. Just three days prior, Sportico estimated the franchise’s valuation to be $850 million.
Earlier this year, the Connecticut Sun were sold to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty added several new investors in a deal that valued the team at $450 million — a record for a women’s sports franchise. The NBA’s most recent transaction came when Paul Allen sold the Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon—who also owns the NHL’s Hurricanes—for $4.25 billion.
